REVIEWS

Wow! I love this product beyond description.

Armed with a new Panji Hard Case Bag, I just completed my first ever stress-free Handpan airline travel experience! It is the only bag I would check-in with full confidence - the instrument will be safe during the entire trip. It is heavy, though this is to be expected for the protection required to ensure safety under the incredibly strenuous experience often faced while being handled by the air travel baggage system. The big difference here is the powerful and beautifully designed back support system. This system is everything an experienced backpacker would come to expect to safely travel while bearing a heavier load long distance.

I have traveled all over the world with Handpans/Pantam/Sound Sculptures large and small for 7 years. I have traveled to Russia to pick up two SPB Pantams, around Europe with a PANArt Integral Hang, and flying all over the states with Pantheon Steel Halo's. I have used helmets, semi hard cases, Pantheon Steel's professional travel cases and everything in-between.

Bottom line is that most of these options have required me to carry-on my instrument, with risk of it still being checked underneath (they are often quite rough during this procedure). Another other option is to check-in the instrument, with the possibility of it getting re-packed improperly by customs and being damaged. Yet another option is using double helmets which is extremely heavy and no case accommodates the distribution of this weight appropriately to travel without risk of injury or serious strain. Needless to say, traveling with a Handpan is extremely stressful and damage is a very real possibility.

I am now a Handpan builder with Axiom Handpans. Our instruments are large and tall which makes traveling with them as a carry-on very often impossible, and even if I could, after years of traveling with these instruments, the prospect is exhausting and overwhelming to consider.

With Panji in hand, several other checked bags, and my 3 year old daughter in her stroller, I rolled up to Las Vegas airport curb side check-in, got everything checked in easily and hassle free. When we arrived I immediately checked the tuning, no problem despite some obvious scuff marks from handling. The back pack is super sturdy and feels great on the back. It is easy to get the load comfy on the hips. I don't hike often with load, so it is a bit of weight for me, though completely do-able. I think if you are accustom to a bit of activity and no issues bearing load, you will have no problem with this well designed system.

Each little facet and every aspect of this product is crafted by these lovely artists with high integrity for sustainability, quality, durability, and easy replace-ability. Clearly they love and respect these instruments as players and have created a bag that matches the artistry and skill required for a beautiful sound.

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I'm so glad Panji Bags exists! I've been playing handpans for 10 years and travelling with the instrument has always been stressful. After a bad experience where I was forced to check-in my PANArt Hang years ago, I promised myself never to do it again. But trying to find space in the cabin isn't any easier—especially with newer and larger handpans. With a Panji Bag, I can check-in my handpan like any other luggage and be confident it will be safe during the journey. Without it, I would have never been able to bring my new Boreal handpan on my European vacation in July. Thank you Panji Bags!

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What a great case... I bought the case on a recommendation of Rafael D'Arco, my Handpan maker, and I am so glad that he told me about the company... It is a heavy duty case for sure. My Handpan fits inside safe and sound as hell...the case looks cool too. I get as many compliments on how cool it looks as I do for the Handpan inside. The zipper has been used a lot so far and it seems it should hold up well. Straps securely fastened to the shell...it stands upright by itself making it easy to fumble for car keys or phones.....looks like this one will last for a long time...

I have to admit once on my back with my Handpan, I am not sure I would want to walk a marathon, but the case fits snuggly and securely and helps distribute the weight nicely and I’m not quite as young as I used to be.

The company is very responsive and returns emails quickly if there are any questions...

My hat is off on this one! Nice job Panji!!!

- Michael Dermody

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This Panji bag is awesome. As heavy duty as the case is, when I'm wearing it, being designed as well as it is, it feels so light and easy to carry. I have a medium case with the back support system (highly recommended). Thank you team Panji

- Peter Alexanian

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Fantastic cases, and a pair of lovely people willing to go over and above to make sure your beloved instrument is carefully protected, even in the hold of an aircraft, comfortable to wear and hike with, and locally and sustainably made. Friendly, professional and responsive. Doesn't get much better

- Dan Robbins

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I've been meaning to write a little recap of my travels with my Panji Bags hardcase through 6 weeks traveling in Greece and Turkey, but time has eluded me until today. A cold, rainy, fall day has me indoors and has left me with the perfect opportunity... First of all, I must say that the case performed flawlessly. It was checked on 8 flights total, traveled with us on numerous buses, taxis, train rides, and even an international ferry and not once did I worry about the safety of my beloved CFoulke Celtic 8 being in the case. Out of 8 years of traveling with a pan, this is the first time I've ever felt comfortable enough with a case to check my pan on the plane. I found this incredibly easy compared to carrying it on, where I find myself worrying from the morning I wake up for my flight until I've reached my destination. There's too many variables. The questions running through my head are always..."Will one of the check in people make me check the pan (in it's inadequate soft case)?", "What if the gate attendant notices my pan is too big for carry on requirements?", "Will someone jam their oversized carry on into the overhead compartment in with my pan and smash it?", "What if there is no room in the overhead and I'm forced to gate check?". Fortunately, none of these scenarios happened over the years, but there were a few close calls. Of course, there's a likelihood of loss when you're checking bags, but the reality is that lost luggage rarely happens and, if it is lost, it often makes it back in your hands within a few days. My pan is insured in case a worst case scenario like that ever happened. The Panji Bag is so tough that I never worried about its safety after watching it go down the luggage belt when checking in. It was a huge piece of mind for me. On top of that, I never had to worry about it when taxi drivers quickly took the pan from my hands and jammed it in with the rest of our luggage in the trunk of the taxi or when our shuttle driver piled it underneath other people's luggage in an overstuffed trip from Ayvalik to Izmir. Simply put... it was safe ALL. THE. TIME. As a traveling musician, this makes me very happy. When the time comes that I need to fly with two pans again, I'll surely be buying another to fit my Halo. In addition, I find it incredibly comfortable to wear on my back for long stretches of time, despite the added weight (it is a heavy case). I wanted a flight case for years. I weighed all my options, including all the bags/cases on the Handpan market. I checked into pelican cases and thought about getting custom ata cases made. In the end, I'm really happy I had this Panji bag made. Hansa and Jyoti have been amazing every step of the way and they're very supportive of the Handpan community also. Also, just to add... these are my own words from my own experiences. There's no endorsements, no sponsorships. Just a happy customer, happy Handpan, and a top quality case.

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Jyoti and Hansa were extremely responsive throughout the entire custom design process and I ended up with a bombproof case that gets tons of comments as I wear it around. Couldn't be happier. Thanks Panji Bags!

- Peter Szameitat

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Jyoti & Hansa - Thank you so much! I received my Panji Bag and RAV Drum a few days ago. I love them! The bag is great, handy and offers a very good protection for the drum. And the drum: the sound is so amazing! I am discovering a new universe of music, and I am proud to have contributed to your beautiful mission.

- Lionel Senéterre, 'a very happy client'

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Panji Bags are incredible handcrafted pieces of art that not only professionally protect your handpan, but also become as loved and valued as your pan. Hansa and Jyoti eagerly work with their local community to support other local artists and businesses to truly be a sustainable business within the community as well as the earth with their eco-friendly building process for each bag. Every bag is unique and made with excellent quality. If you spend the time and money to invest in a handpan, I would highly recommend buying a Panji Bag to ensure that your drum is always highly protected and complimented by such a masterpiece of a Hardcase.

- Ben Wilson

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Both I and my RAV love our Panji Bag! Hansa and Jyoti were great to work with in selecting and designing a special bag for me, with custom artwork and my favorite color (purple). The bag is truly a work of art - I display it on a special wooden rack next to my RAV, and love looking at it. It is a great way to take RAV on the road, gently cradles the RAV and protects it from injury. Just love the bag - and the very professional craftsmanship that went into it.